The Californian funk movement in clay was led by the master ironist Robert Arneson, who had many adherents. Some indulged in crass slapstick, but a few had a much finer touch, in tune with the Pop Art currents then swinging from coast to coast. One of these exponents of the style was the Danish-born Erik Gronborg, who actually developed his style outside of Arneson’s direct influence, first studying with Peter Voulkos and then moving down to San Diego, the other end of the state from the funk epicenter of the Bay Area. This cup is typical of his omnivorous approach to form, showing his interest in Pre-Columbian artifacts.